Shooting in, shooting through
Tuivaiti in, Wilson out of Pulse circle
The Central Pulse shooting circle is getting a shake-up.
Cathrine Tuivaiti is heading south for the inaugural national netball league, replacing teenage shooting sensation Maia Wilson.
It’s not known where Wilson is heading as yet, but the new Auckland team is a likely destination.
Tuivaiti will join Ameliaranne Ekenasio in the Pulse shooting circle, and is one of six players to have committed to the Wellingtonbased side.
‘‘I know that it’s something I need to do to better myself and my netball,’’ Tuivaiti said of the move to a new franchise.
‘‘I am excited by it all but that is also measured with a sprinkling of nervousness.
‘‘The time had just come where I needed to branch out and do something different with some different people. I’m hoping to learn some new things about netball and hopefully about myself, and I feel that [the Pulse] is the place to do it.’’
Tuivaiti said the move had nothing to do with her pursuit of a Silver Ferns dress.
In recent times she has fallen out of favour with Silver Ferns selectors, the reason for which is beyond the understanding of Tuivaiti herself.
Despite that disappointment, she insists the move isn’t a way of trying to earn back her spot in the national side.
‘‘The idea to move had nothing to do with the Silver Ferns,’’ Tuivaiti said.
‘‘It’s not based on that at all. I thought about doing this about this time last year, but then I thought maybe I’m not ready.
‘‘It’s going to be tough. I’m looking forward to challenging myself and doing it at the Pulse.
Three of the Pulse’s finest from 2016 are yet to sign on for the 2017 season, with the futures of captain Katrina Grant, Phoenix Karaka and Chelsea Locke unknown.
Tuivaiti said she is excited about linking up with Ekenasio, however, following a long and formidable partnership with Maria Tutaia.
‘‘I’m really excited about the new challenge of not only playing netball in a different area of New Zealand and rekindling the passion, but also learning about myself away from family and friends.
‘‘I was really selective in what I was looking for. It had to be right.
‘‘Ameliaranne is one of our top goal attacks in New Zealand, and I get along with her really well. I’m looking forward to adjusting to a new goal attack.’’
New Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie said she is delighted to welcome Tuivaiti to the Pulse.
‘‘Cathrine has one of the best accuracy rates in the business and a defining skill set which will prove invaluable,’’ she said.
‘‘She has an abundant natural talent which can only be enhanced and built on while her experience and leadership abilities will be great assets for our younger players to learn from.’’
Tuivaiti is also excited about the fans.
‘‘I love the fans, I know I look really grumpy and attitudy for 60 minutes on the court, but I’m the last person at the arena signing autographs after the game because I know how important it is to be there with the fans.
‘‘I can make someone’s year. I’m extremely loyal to the fans.’’
Sheridan Bignall, Karin Burger, Claire Kersten and Whitney Souness are also confirmed as Pulse players for 2017, alongside Tuivaiti and Ekenasio.
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